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Rs. 200 Mn additional funds for President’s foreign trips, fuel: Anura Kumara
By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera
Colombo, Jan 12 (Daily Mirror) - President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was harping on financial discipline, had sought Parliamentary approval for Rs. 200 million under a supplementary estimate for foreign visits, fuel and vehicle maintenance in addition to the budgetary allocations, NPP MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.
He told Parliament that the President must uphold financial discipline in the first place, and said Parliament and the President must think before allocating such a colossal amount of money for foreign tours at the expense of taxpayers’ money.
"We talk about financial discipline in Parliament. The President must uphold the financial discipline in the first place. He has visited the United Kingdom on four occasions, and twice to Japan. He has taken 14 foreign trips in 14 months,” he said.
Dissanayake alleged that the President has sought additional allocations for foreign trips when the balance of the allocated money for midday meals of the school children is yet to be made and payments for school uniforms have also not been made yet," he said.
He said the President was touring around the world with the funds collected by imposing the VAT on the common man’s glass of milk, rice, diesel, school stationery and health equipment.
Meanwhile, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said the allegations were baseless, saying that it was a contingency expenditure made in 2023 and presented it to parliament under 6.1 of the Appropriation Bill.
"Supplementary estimates are usually presented to parliament after March. We have never presented supplementary estimates in January. We have only started the financial year. This is only to inform Parliament of a contingency expenditure made in 2023," he said.
Comments - 58
Comments - Rs. 200 Mn additional funds for President’s foreign trips, fuel: Anura Kumara
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Dee Friday, 12 January 2024 10:45 PM
Short of ‘double cabs’!
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Rasika Friday, 12 January 2024 11:32 PM
No need to ask. Keep increasing the taxes. I am surprised the IMF is endorsing this illegitimate President and his crooked policies by agreeing to lend.
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Shameless Thick Skin Fellow with rotten mind Friday, 12 January 2024 10:48 PM
An unelected fellow spending tax payers money in leisurely foreign trips, when millions of people are struggling to have daily meals. This guy should be taken to the International Court.
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Work Hard Play Hard Saturday, 13 January 2024 05:53 AM
For him, he’s done his part to stabilise the country which nobody offered to do. Now enjoy the fruits of his hard work!
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sam silva Saturday, 13 January 2024 03:21 PM
and dragging MRS.BEAN too - claiming her ticket expensees by mrs,bean but how about the hotel stay and rest? appuhamy paying for that thro tax.
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Poo Saturday, 13 January 2024 04:02 PM
Your comment is good only for frogs in a well like you.
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Sam Silva Friday, 12 January 2024 10:49 PM
14 trips in 14 months is about right for him to keep his reputation from a bankrupt country which is corrupted. Not sure even the world leaders travel as much he does. President keep on doing what you are best and the suffering people are fortunate to have you.
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Lk Friday, 12 January 2024 10:59 PM
Don't expect from these capitalistic people any good for poor ...they could help you only after they had taken in full in their Tammy.. What do you expect from Ranil who protected MR and co. What so you want more Power is to enjoy and he wants like all others to enjoy . Luxury hotels First class fight seats Luxury chauffeurs Luxury food All in public money What a life Do they work hard in return to all this ?
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Aviator Friday, 12 January 2024 11:20 PM
RW is a curse, that's what he is. We need to get rid of him at the earliest.
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Buddhist Friday, 12 January 2024 11:37 PM
This should not be approved as this money will be illegally used for the election campaign.
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Ruwan Saturday, 13 January 2024 12:04 AM
Sadly Minister Shehan Semasinghe's comprehensive reply to Anura Kumara on this subject isn't here. Does AKD think the president could have got international support without meeting them on the world stage at various official forums? He never went on private visits like AKD. See how everyone is praising the president's achievements now. Only the jealous people are moaning.
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ERAN Wicks Saturday, 13 January 2024 12:06 AM
First lady Sagirla has got six apartments at Havelock city as commission.
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Padme Saturday, 13 January 2024 06:34 PM
It is very obvious how immature so called to be leaders are and for them very difficult to comprehend where were we and how it should work around international leaders and platforms to get it right. Probably someone can argue that he should have travel more to go for negotiations and look for investment etc. Beware from these nuts when you choose your franchise
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Dulanjoli Premadosa Saturday, 13 January 2024 12:07 AM
Probably preparing a place to hide after November.
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Tissa Fernando Saturday, 13 January 2024 12:27 AM
When people spend their time in protests, strikes and work inefficiently, instead if being productive they need foreign aids, investment and loans to pay for the basic needs. So the head of the country has to meet foreign leaders personally to maintain good relationship. So he has to travel abroad. The problem is with the entourage that consists of all other useless MPs and their families and friends. But if a person wants to be in power that person has to treat these useless MPs otherwise they get rid of the person. It happened to Imran Khan.
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ROHINI WIJETILLEKE Saturday, 13 January 2024 12:29 AM
Wrong person, in the right place, doing the wrong things,making hay while the sun is shining, When there is nothing to lose what else does one expect from him?
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Sunil Saturday, 13 January 2024 02:08 AM
President Biden or Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have done very little tours during the same period. Why should small countries like Sri Lanka take up Red Sea attacks on ships and Climate Change issues, We should back a big country taking up these issues and not handle it ourselves. Is it to gather international support for Ranil to get a top UN position after elections or to build a career for cousin Ruwan ?
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Tissa Fernando Saturday, 13 January 2024 08:27 PM
They do not need to go anywhere , their representatives travel all the time. Do not compare a small country with giants. They can do most of the things by just giving a phone call. India's Moodi travelled all over the world to improve international relations and now he travels less. Even Anura Kumara travelled (using the party money) to many countries to gather support for his political vision.
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Kushan Saturday, 13 January 2024 02:16 AM
Firstly with regards to his travel, Sri Lanka's head of state is now invited by more countries and organizations. It is partly the ongoing outcome of being accepted and integrated into global community. As you would recall Sri Lanka was virtually ostracized by the global community previously, and the leaders had to make excuses to accept invitation from corrupt and bankrupt nations to display pictures of international locally. The other component is attending various forums etc. The increase reflects the ability if the current leader to make meaningful contributions confidently at these meetings. It has been quite a while where Sri Lanka had head of state who could represent the country and confidently interact with peers. The benefits to the country from the networking, dialog and interactions at the highest level will flow in due course. It just does not happen overnight. Sadly neither Anura or Sajith have the international standing and respect that the current incumbent has.
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ROSH Saturday, 13 January 2024 02:25 AM
Please don’t disrespect unelected master debating president who is in mission to collect air miles to spend on mile high club. He loves spending time on mile high club all around the world. He doesn’t care about emergency landing. He master debated eaglemaithiri and central bank and ultimately he bankrupt the country. We need to elect minority leader who can my country within good governance. Please god help to getting rid of family crooks and unelected master debating president
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Ram Saturday, 13 January 2024 03:40 AM
14 trips since assuming duties. No other President did so many foreign trips. He must be questioned in Parliament to answer as Finance Minister the benefits accrued or he brought into the country from each and every trip.
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Sleazy president Saturday, 13 January 2024 03:56 AM
The pin gona is trying to drag the economy further down so that he can postpone the election indefinitely.
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Nilmini Welivita Saturday, 13 January 2024 03:59 AM
It is important for a leader to attend these conferences because it will strengthen the relationship between countries making our country more prosperous. The SJB/JVP idiots know nothing about international relations.
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Sena Saturday, 13 January 2024 11:17 AM
@Nilmini Welivita, you should wakeup from your fantasy dream. True these conferences are good for international relations, but not in our case. Our third rate politicians will bring 'zero' benefit to our people.
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Nodaking Saturday, 13 January 2024 04:00 AM
This idiot should be travelling in a three wheeler for wrecking the economy of our country.
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Tinpot president and his demented mind Saturday, 13 January 2024 04:04 AM
Let him enjoy his short time as an unelected wasteful president because Welikada has a special room with his name on it for the abuse of human rights.
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Natalie Nanayaka Saturday, 13 January 2024 04:06 AM
Don't worry soon it will be very short trip in a police jeep to prison for this criminal.
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Mahila Saturday, 13 January 2024 04:31 AM
"Considerate Citizens", feeling the HEART and SOUL of “POOR, Down-Trodden” SL CITIZENRY, must ANSWER, “What Were They DOING, WHEN MaRa – SAVIOUR and so-called MESSIAH, ‘UNSOLICITED CONTRACTUAL, VENTURES’ ENABLED, personal wealth burgeoning from, "A FAMILY, with NO VEHICLE (Medium size CAR IN 1960 COSTS (RRP) SL Rs 13,500 only - e.g. Holden Special 1700 cc 6-Cylinder 6-seater NEW) Car, enable EXPECTANT MOTHER – 60 YEARS AGO, Transport to NATIONAL HOSPITAL Colombo, from Hambantota, Time of Birth – “Youngest SIBLING” – TO “Family now Reckoned Internationally – RICHEST – USD 36 BILLION, Circa 2021"! Isn’t MORAL TURPITUDE?? THEN WHAT IS?? Acknowledging, 60-year profession – Assistant Librarian (Rs 450 PM), Legislator 05/1970 (Rs 650 – 1970 – Allowance) complemented since 1976, as “BRIEFLESS” Lawyer/Advocate, except 06/1989, UNHRC Geneva appearance, “as ENHANCED POLITICAL DRAMA” – JVP Insurgency – pleading, Clemency - JVP’s, 2-year, WILD Sabotage acts!!!???
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Waco Saturday, 13 January 2024 04:32 AM
What financial discipline can you expect from the fellow who robbed the Central Bank. This Pin-President has no mandate to sit in that chair. He was appointed as the President by the rouges in the parliament. Where is
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ANTON Saturday, 13 January 2024 05:22 AM
CAN'T WAIT TO EXERCISE MY VOTE AT THE NEXT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. HOPE ALL SRI LANKANS WILL DO THE SAME. REMOVE THE UNELECTED STATESMAN ONCE AND FOR GOOD.
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Sana Saturday, 13 January 2024 05:53 AM
Why is Anura Kumara taking about small expenses? What is Rs. 200 million in a budget of billions?
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Lion Saturday, 13 January 2024 07:17 AM
When we read this it shows us ,with these politicians this country has no future, The only aim of these people to enjoy to the hilt of their life,without caring the plight of the millions of people who struggle for their day today meal . They tax the people to the maximum but they never attempt to control their expenses. Simbalapitiya is a another rouge who tried to white wash his boss while the whole country has seen how the leader of 131 roaming around the world. Other day we saw how maina was enjoying the see ride in a tug boat with a 50 rouges in the parliament using tax payers money. We all must get together to chase this lot in the next election unless this country is doomed.
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Nimal Saturday, 13 January 2024 07:39 AM
An additional Rs 200 million washed down the drain.
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Kps Saturday, 13 January 2024 07:42 AM
As long as only you it’s ok. The worse part is that you take 1/2 of the 134 with you at the expense of tax payer pouch.
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Sokrates Saturday, 13 January 2024 08:18 AM
A good beggar also has to invest in order to be successful in his begging trips.
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Nimal Saturday, 13 January 2024 08:26 AM
Every time he was handed over the reins of power he made a real mess of them to such an extent that he was virtually chased away at the last general elections. However, the wretched goat and his clan made an even bigger mess of the nation's affairs that they had no choice but to bring this guy back. Now, he is living up to his reputation and has started ruining the country from where he left about five years ago.
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Sambo Saturday, 13 January 2024 09:10 AM
He still has space in his album and needs more photographs with heads of states to fill his album and keep as memorabilia.
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Tonga Saturday, 13 January 2024 10:04 AM
I am not a supporter of ADK/NPP like many others, but the President going on overseas jaunts is a waste of money. This money could be spend to repair all the machines that are non functional at Cardiology operating theatres of the National Hospital where major surgeries are all cancelled and the poor patience quietly but gradually drifting away from this world!
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sam Saturday, 13 January 2024 10:34 AM
What does the country gain from this mans foreign trips?
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Tissa Fernando Saturday, 13 January 2024 08:21 PM
Different question, what did Gota gain by not visiting a single country? Mahinda too visited very few countries. They all lost at the end for different reasons but they lost. Sirimao travelled a lot and established excellent relations with other countries which are being helpful even today.
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Zaza Saturday, 13 January 2024 10:50 AM
Great President. Ever since he came, he has performed many miracles, from Wi-Fi, Oracle Data Base, Robotic Science, 3D, AI, and admission to Oxford and Cambridge. Certainly, he deserves this a many more trips. When will People stand up and say, ' Executive Presidential System and "Hybrid Electoral System" Must Go"
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Sunil Saturday, 13 January 2024 01:13 PM
Ranil a free loder come to finish off country in style after Rajapaksha's curse. Sad for all fellow country men.
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Mina Saturday, 13 January 2024 01:30 PM
This man is in governance of this country well over 45 years in the capacity of MP, minister ,priminister, and finally un elected president.He has contributed immensely for the down fall this country. His latest adventure was bringing an A grade rouge from Singapore to have proper financial control to enhance our economy.
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Smh Saturday, 13 January 2024 01:32 PM
He negotiated IMF and World Bank aid/loans to stabilize the country and prevent a total collapse. You'll need stop the negative talk and complaining about everything. Start thinking and talking positive things for your own progress and peace of mind.
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Yohan Saturday, 13 January 2024 05:20 PM
Agreed.
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Dee Saturday, 13 January 2024 03:49 PM
He is building a taller building with building blocks so that it could be broken in to many pieces when the NPP/JVP is voted into power by the uneducated lot!
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Pantha Kumaran Saturday, 13 January 2024 05:08 PM
Unelected President is wasting public money. Any way this is his last term as President before he is kicked out from politics in September election.
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Jeganathan Periappan Saturday, 13 January 2024 05:55 PM
This RW curse is created by the Satan JRJ and MaRa group! Hope this man will go and see Satan JRJ very soon with Myna and Kaputa1
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Asiana Saturday, 13 January 2024 06:17 PM
When you look at his face worst repercussions ahead born to bring disastrous to Srilanka
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QP Saturday, 13 January 2024 08:43 PM
I think Kushan and a few others can understand what is going on! By and large most comments just reflect the hatred some people have towards RW for not allowing the country to go down the drain, about 18 months back, and reversing the calamity and stabilizing the country. Some leaders were waiting like vultures to pick up the carcass with little obligation to deliver anything for the people! If these comments represent the society at large, even the 330 million gods said to be looking after the country may not be able to save this country!! If anyone waiting to take over the country cannot understand the role of a leader of the state, what can we think about the people going after such leaders?
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Ceylonese Saturday, 13 January 2024 09:53 PM
It's an Art, living on someone else's money.
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Jeewan Siripalan Sunday, 14 January 2024 06:33 AM
Nilmini Welivita, when did you born? This man did the same job for more than 50 years wasting and unrolling this country! Use your brain and history! Do you have a good education? May be not or like Myna Gon Son NaRa!
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Troy Sunday, 14 January 2024 02:17 PM
50 years? Where were you then? RW never got a decent chance to complete his vision for the country because of morons like you.
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200 million is a drop in the indian ocean Sunday, 14 January 2024 03:27 PM
Ranil, don't worry what these morons say. Spend like you've never seen cash before. Switzerland is not cheap so make "wine, women and song" your motto and do it in right Royal fashion. Try some Japanese Whiskey ($10,000 upwards for a bottle). Cheers
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Muthu Pariappan Sunday, 14 January 2024 05:29 PM
I am sure that Jeewan mean to say that "RW as a politician" He had many powerful roles and did almost nothing to the country rather than making troubles to innocent people. Why you are so upset for this Jungi Hora? What do you supply for him?
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Suranga Sunday, 14 January 2024 08:35 PM
As Prebhakaran said Sinhalese forgot everything within a week. The pin president done lot of things for those who were in Gas, Petrol... queues when no one was there to take the challenge. While cooking and travelling they can attack him now.. What a pity of Sinhalese..
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roni Sunday, 14 January 2024 10:53 PM
If this overage Disciple of the Rajapakse brigade enjoys these perks, he should include fuel, lease of vehicle for local travel payment to drivers and overseas travel and bata claimed as benefits in hls tax return and pay taxes b4 he advocates fellow citizens to pay tax.
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Buddhist Monday, 15 January 2024 05:26 PM
Are these funds for pre-retirement trips or to find a job when Ranil is kicked out of politics again?
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